Cuomo congratulates Emmy-winning shows that drew on NYS tax credit

Gov. Andrew Cuomo took the opportunity of last night’s Emmy wins by 16 New York-based productions to point out the role that the state’s Film Production Tax Credit played in four of those shows: “Boardwalk Empire,” “Nurse Jackie,” “Saturday Night Live” and “30 Rock.”

Cuomo called the awards “a well-deserved tribute to the thousands of people who make up New York’s great entertainment industry, especially the crew members who make our state the place to film. New York’s entertainment industry is experiencing the most active and productive period in the State’s history, and I look forward to welcoming more productions in the coming year to our great State.”

Cuomo took heat from lawmakers during the most recent budget cycle for expanding the production tax credit in what was seen as an attempt to lure “The Tonight Show” back to New York City when new host Jimmy Fallon takes over from Jay Leno in February. Lawmaker Jim Tedisco was among those who noted that the $5 million boon to NBC could have been used to reduce the budget’s cuts to care for the disabled.

The administration argued that the new business generated by the show’s return would more than offset the cost of the expanded credit.

More from the release:

In 2013, to date, 29 television series are participating in the program, estimated to create 66,191 of new hires and bring in an estimated $1.3 billion of new spending to the State. In addition, NBC Universal’s number one summer hit show “America’s Got Talent” relocated to New York as a result of a new provision in the recently- passed extension of the New York State film incentive program.

“We are so proud of this award and the acknowledgement of all the stellar work of our New York based cast and crew. One of the most amazing things is that even after four seasons we continue to find new and exciting locations for all the various worlds our characters inhabit here in New York,” said Joe Iberti, Producer of HBO’s Boardwalk Empire. “When this show started there were many ideas on the table of where it could be filmed. Being set in Atlantic City, NJ, New York City, Chicago and other environs circa 1920s, naturally we could consider filming in many states. However when it comes down to where to film the series, it is the New York State Production Credit program that continues to be the main reason we locate our production in New York. I can confidently say that without the stability and continuity of the New York tax credits this show would not be filming in New York. It’s as simple as that.”

“Production of motion pictures, television, and internet content has never been higher in our 89 year history,” said John Ford, President Local 52 International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. “The officers and members of Studio Mechanics Local 52 IATSE thank Governor Cuomo and the NYS Legislature for extending legislation that has created thousands of additional jobs that provide decent wages as well as medical and retirement benefits.”

“New York has truly entered a Golden Age of television production and our union will eclipse all employment records by the year’s end,” said Tommy J. O’Donnell, President, Theatrical Teamsters Local 817. “Credit goes to Governor Cuomo in supporting the extension of the New York Film Tax Credit and his commitment to growing jobs that will energize the middle class in the Empire State.”

“Governor Cuomo has done more to bring television production to New York than anyone in the history of the industry,” said Douglas C. Steiner, Chairman of Steiner Studios. “His long-term vision and support has created tens of thousands of jobs in the new frontiers of media and has made New York the world’s first choice for quality film and television production.”

“The Post New York Alliance is thrilled to see the post production industry represented in the Creative Emmy winners and nominees,” said Yana Collins Lehman, Managing Partner, Trevanna Post. “Since Governor Cuomo tripled the post incentive last year, New York has seen a massive influx of great projects finishing here. We’ve never been busier, and couldn’t be more proud of our colleagues being recognized for their outstanding work.”

The recently expanded New York State Film Production Tax Credit program includes new incentives to attract television shows produced in other states to New York to create jobs, spur tourism and generate new spending. The program supports a robust industry cluster that has become a major source of direct and indirect employment and economic opportunity across the State. In addition, the recently expanded and enhanced program provides new incentives that lower restrictions on post-production, which makes it easier for productions to do this work in New York State. A new provision aims to attract out-of-state talk and variety programs to the Empire State if they have filmed at least five seasons in another state. There are also new incentives to boost production in upstate New York.

A complete list of the 2013 Primetime Emmy Award winners who participated in the New York Film Production Tax Credit Program follows: